- The Dongmyeong Unit will faithfully fulfill its mandate until the end of 2027, while preparing for a safe and orderly withdrawal -

1. On the morning of September 11 (Thursday), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the 2025 meeting of the "Council on Policies on UN Peacekeeping Operations (PKO)," chaired by Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Kim Jina. The meeting was attended by relevant agencies involved in UN peacekeeping operations, including the Ministry of National Defense, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Korean National Police Agency.

※ Pursuant to Article 16 of the "Act on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations," the PKO Policy Council was established under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the efficient implementation of government policies on peacekeeping operations, as well as cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies.

2. Since 2007, the Republic of Korea has deployed the Dongmyeong Unit to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and since 2013, the Hanbit Unit to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

3. During the Policy Council meeting, participants reviewed the achievements of these two units and discussed the need to extend their deployments. Taking into account the necessity of contributing to international peace and security; positive assessments and requests for extension from both the UN and host governments; the units' performance; and the continued importance of the UN missions given the local circumstances, participants concurred on the necessity of extending the deployments of both the Dongmyeong and Hanbit Units.

4. At the UN Security Council meeting held on August 28 (local time), Resolution 2790 was unanimously adopted, extending UNIFIL's mandate until 31 December 2026, with a withdrawal to be carried out within the following year. In this context, participants underscored the importance of the Dongmyeong Unit faithfully carrying out its mandate until the end of 2027, while preparing for a safe and orderly withdrawal.

5. Vice Minister Kim commended the military personnel of the Dongmyeong and Hanbit Units for carrying out their mandates with responsibility and dedication, even in harsh and dangerous conditions, thereby enhancing the Republic of Korea's international standing. She expressed deep gratitude and respect for their dedication and hard work. She also stressed that, as the Republic of Korea serves as an elected member of the UN Security Council for the 2024-25 term, continued contributions to peacekeeping operations - one of the UN's core mandates - remain vital.

6. Based on the outcome of this Policy Council meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will soon submit motions to the National Assembly to extend the dispatch of the Dongmyeong and Hanbit Units, while continuing to work closely with relevant agencies to ensure sustained contributions to peacekeeping operations. In addition, having dedicated itself to peace and stability in Lebanon and the Middle East for nearly two decades, the Dongmyeong Unit will faithfully carry out its mandate until the end of 2026, and the Ministry, in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will maintain close communication with the UN Secretariat to ensure a safe and orderly withdrawal by the end of 2027.